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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Melting Snow and Spring Rain Can Quickly Cause Flooding
Most Homeowners Insurance Policies Do Not Include Flood Insurance
(Erie, PA) DATE - Floods are not always caused by nature’s wrath. Melting snow combined with frequent rain showers can quickly saturate the soil and produce flooding. Unfortunately, many homeowners are unaware that homeowner’s insurance does not cover flood damage regardless of cause until it is too late.
“Many people incorrectly assume that regular homeowners insurance covers damage done by floods or rising waters. They don’t realize until it is too late that all basic homeowners insurance policies exclude flood,” says Steve Eddington of Associated Insurance Agency, Inc. “Only flood insurance will cover losses in the event of a flood.”
Flood insurance is available solely through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). There is a 30-day waiting period for the policy to go into effect, so it’s important to start the process before the spring storms arrive.
Do not assume that federal disaster aid will protect you. Before most forms of federal disaster assistance are offered, the President must declare the area a major disaster. According to the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), less than 10% of all disasters are declared so by the President. Flood insurance claims are paid even if the President does not declare an area a major disaster.
FEMA reports that nearly 25 percent of flood insurance claims come from properties considered at low or moderate risk of flooding. Floods and flash floods occur in all 50 states and most people live or work in areas that have some risk of flooding, says I.I.I. Even if you do not live in a high-risk area, flood insurance is a good idea.
If you need to purchase flood insurance, contact your local Erie Insurance Agent for details or contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Premium costs for residential properties will vary depending on coverage, which is available for building only, contents only or building and contents. For more information visit the Erie Insurance web site at www.erieinsurance.com.
Associated Insurance Agency signs with Nationwide Risk Consulting, Inc.
February 2008, we are pleased to announce that we have formed a consulting alliance with Nationwide Risk Consulting, Inc. Of Holbrook, NY. Nationwide Risk Consulting, Inc. is among America's premier insurance consulting organizations. Nationwide concentrates on recovering past overpayments of workers compensation insurance premiums while eliminating the likelihood of future overcharges. 'their clients a wide variety of organizations throughout the country such as hospitals, nursing homes, manufacturers, municipalities, contractors and wholesalers. The cost of Workers Compensation coverage has been rising steadily, and many employers simply accept the high premiums as a fact of business life. Nationwide Risk Consultants, through Associated Insurance Agency, Inc., will provide the solution to this problem.
Associated Insurance Agency signs with West Bend Mutual
December 2007, we are pleased to announce the addition of West Bend Mutual Insurance Company, rated A+ by AM Best, to the list of carriers we represent.
Since 1894, West Bend Mutual has come to stand for excellence through the use of innovative products, steady growth, and financial stability. This reputation for excellence is recognized not only by their policyholders, but by the insurance industry itself. Since 1973, they have maintained an A+ (Superior) rating by A.M. Best, financial analysts of the insurance industry.
McFarland Chamber of Commerce Board Approves New Benefit!
Associated Insurance Agency and the McFarland Chamber of Commerce are pleased to announce an added benefit for Chamber member businesses. Through the Auto-Owners Insurance Company, Chamber members may now be eligible for a 12% discount on their business auto, property, liability and umbrella insurance.
This benefit adds to the long list of benefits available to Chamber members, including: ChamberCare health insurance program, networking through membership meetings, free listing on chamber website, direct links from Chamber website to your website and e-mail, welcome packet program, and free and low cost advertising opportunities exclusively for Chamber members.
Chamber members are encouraged to call us for more information and a free, no obligation insurance quote. Non-members are encouraged to log on to www.mcfarlandchamber.com for a membership application to begin taking advantage of member benefits today!
The McFarland Chamber of Commerce serves to unite and promote the businesses and services in the McFarland area to enhance the sense of community of the Village of McFarland. The Chamber and its members strive for the continued progressive development of McFarland for the mutual benefit of its residents and businesses.
We look forward to helping area businesses save money on their insurance through this new benefit!
2007 Family Festival drawing winners
$30 Gift Certificate to Build-a-Bear: Alissa Iwanski
$30 Toys R Us Gift Certificate: Allison Barnsley
 Congratulations to our lucky winners, Alissa and Allison, who registered on Saturday at the Family Festival!
Thank you to all who visited our Safety Booth and had your child fingerprinted as part of an ongoing campaign to help keep kids safe.
Thank you to Sergeant Korfmacher and Police Explorer Courtney for their assistance in professionally printing the children and for providing free gun locks.
Thank you to Abby Nesson for playing the role of Snoopy.
Thank you to Beth Anderson and the Family Festival committee for putting on such a fun-filled event.
Our fingerprint clinic was a great success! We were able to fingerprint approximately 40 children while providing information on child safety to many parents.
If there are any parents or guardians who were unable to attend the clinic, but wish to
receive free fingerprint ID kits, they are still available by dropping by Associated Insurance Agency at 5990 Highway 51 (in the McFarland State Bank), or calling 1-800-MET-LIFE.
A FIRST IN MCFARLAND!
Local business executives from Associated Insurance Agency, McFarland State Bank and Auto-Owners Insurance Company are teaming up for the first time to offer a unique group insurance discount for bank customers.
Steve Eddington, owner of AIA and Steve Swanson, president of MSB, secured approval for group discounts from Auto-Owners Insurance Company for individuals and businesses who bank with McFarland State Bank. Swanson comments, "We've enjoyed our solid long term relationship with AIA and wanted to offer something special for our customers. We're proud to announce this special group insurance discount."
 Associated Insurance Agency and McFarland State Bank have a long standing relationship. For nearly 50 years, the bank owned the agency known as McFarland Insurance Services. In 2002, the bank sold the agency to Steve Eddington who owned Associated Insurance Agency. Conveniently, the insurance agency is located in the McFarland State Bank building and provides commercial and personal insurance services to the Dane County area and beyond. This offer enhances the already convenient one stop shopping for great values in banking and insurance services.
This first time partnership now translates into savings for insurance buyers. Individuals with a Gold or Interest checking account, mortgage or commercial loan with McFarland State Bank, may now qualify for discounts on auto, home and personal umbrella insurance. Commercial loan customers may also qualify for discounts on their business insurance. Those currently not bank customers, yet are interested, are encouraged to stop in and meet with a personal banker.
Established in 1904, the McFarland State Bank prides itself as a strong partner not only with the McFarland community, but area entrepreneurs as well. With over 290 million in assets, McFarland State Bank and its 45 employees provide a full complement of personalized commercial and consumer financial services.
Associated Insurance Agency is McFarland's only full service independent insurance agency. They represent over 20 companies enabling them to offer insurance buyers choices that best meet their needs. Their professional staff averages over 15 years experience in insurance. Their goal is to provide each client with prompt service, appropriate coverage, quality carriers and competitive premiums.
Associated Insurance Agency signs with Erie Insurance
July 2007, Erie Insurance Company, rated A+ by AM Best, appointed Associated Insurance Agency, Inc. Erie Insurance began in Erie, Pennsylvania in 1925 as an auto insurer. Now they are a multi-line insurance company; offering auto, home, commercial and life insurance through a network of independent insurance agents in 11 states. The combination of a quality agency force, a commitment to customer service and the financial stability provided by Erie Insurance Group contributes to their ability to consistently earn superior ratings in the insurance industry.
The addition of Erie Insurance Group to our portfolio of companies, gives us another avenue to offer you the insurance options that are right for you.
McFarland holds its 3rd annual Firecracker 5000 on June 30, 2007
While Associated Insurance Agency sponsored the event, employees volunteered for and participated in the third annual Firecracker 5000. The event raises money for McFarland Chamber of Commerce activities, including the Backpacks for Kids program and the Childhood screening days. Click here to view photos from the event (power point). Click here to view photos from the event (html).
Education
Dave Johnson successfully completed the Certified Insurance Counselors Commercial Casualty course. This intensive 2 and a half day course is designed to meet the insurance professional's need for technical knowledge in the areas commercial liability. Dave earned his CIC designation in 1988 and completion of this course gives him the required continuing education credits to keep the designation.
Matt Eddington successfully completed the Certified Insurance Counselors Personal Lines course. This intensive two and a half day course focuses on the technical knowledge agents need in all areas of personal insurance.
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